Says spring but summer temperatures May 16, 2023

The calendar says spring but we are definitely experiencing summer temperatures

We have the occasional new bird coming to the yard, but they are still few in numbers.

The Hummingbird feeders were put out at noon and by late afternoon the first female hummingbird has arrived.  Three days later she was joined by a male and the courtship dances began.

Rufous Hummingbird

These tiny birds make extraordinary migration flights, flying 3,200 km. from their Mexican wintering home to their summer breeding territories in the north. They put on a spectacular courtship display and the male has an extremely loud voice for a 3-gram bird.

Check out this link: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rufous_Hummingbird/id#

Golden-crowned Kinglet

  This small Passerine (perching bird) is often seen hanging from the tips of evergreen trees searching for insects, insect eggs and spiders.

Check out this link: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Golden-crowned_Kinglet/id

Everything is beginning to sprout in the forest areas as well.  New plants are growing in areas where the forest was thinned out a few years ago and medicinal and flowering plants are growing and setting buds.

The leaves of this plant are very fragrant and fill the air with that real springtime smell. The petals can be made into an effective cream for relief of sore muscles, bruising, and for reducing swelling.

Arnica

The leaves of this plant are very fragrant and fill the air with that real springtime smell. The petals can be made into an effective cream for relief of sore muscles, bruising, and for reducing swelling.

Calypso Bulbosa

  These bright pink orchids produce their leaves early in the season.  The blooms seem to pop up and open overnight.

Rattlesnake Plantain

  Look for the distinctive leaves of this orchid in spring.  It thrives in the dappled sunlight of coniferous forests.  It wil bloom in early summer.

  Hookers Fairy Bells

These tall elegant plants with creamy yellow flowers are popping up in the dappled shady areas in the forest.

Highbush Cranberry

 This shrub is moving into newly opened forest areas.  Probably by birds depositing seeds from the berries they have eaten.  The berries make excellent jelly.